Deftones

Deftones formed in Sacramento, California, in 1988, with original members Chino Moreno (vocals), Stephen Carpenter (guitar), and Abe Cunningham (drums). Bassist Chi Cheng and keyboardist/turntablist Frank Delgado later joined. The band’s early career involved playing local club shows and expanding to Los Angeles and San Francisco, catching the attention of Maverick Records, which signed them after a performance. Their debut album, “Adrenaline,” released in 1995, gained a dedicated fanbase through extensive touring and word-of-mouth, eventually selling over 220,000 copies and becoming a significant part of the 1990s nu metal movement. “Adrenaline” was certified gold by the RIAA in 1999 and platinum in 2008. The recording process for “Adrenaline” was noted for its raw energy, with Moreno recording vocals live with the band.

Their second album, “Around the Fur,” released in 1997, further expanded their sound and brought them fame within the alternative metal scene, with singles like “My Own Summer (Shove It)” and “Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)” receiving radio and MTV airplay. This album marked a period of increased production focus and experimentation, leading to its certification as gold in 1999 and platinum in 2011. The band’s third album, “White Pony,” released in 2000, saw their sound evolve significantly, incorporating new elements with Delgado becoming a full-time member. “White Pony” debuted at No. 3 on the U.S. Billboard chart and sold 178,000 copies in its first week, earning them a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance for the song “Elite” in 2001. It achieved platinum status in 2002, selling over 1.3 million copies.

Throughout their career, Deftones have continued to experiment with their music, moving beyond their initial nu metal classification to incorporate art rock, shoegaze, and other genres. This adaptability has contributed to their sustained success and relevance across multiple rock trends. Notable albums include their self-titled fourth album (2003), “Saturday Night Wrist” (2006), “Diamond Eyes” (2010), “Koi No Yokan” (2012), “Gore” (2016), “Ohms” (2020), and “Private Music” (2025). The band has faced personal challenges, including the car accident of bassist Chi Cheng in 2008, which left him in a minimally conscious state until his death in 2013, and subsequent lineup changes. Despite these events, Deftones have persevered, maintaining a dedicated fanbase and attracting new listeners through their consistent musical evolution and engaging performances.